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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Laney on January 8, 2012, at 22:35:55
So, I went off the Savella (didn't do anything for me) and now I'm just on 10mg. paxil and .5mg clonazepam per day. Been experiencing some mid back pain/chest pain (feels like burning, spasm like feelings) which seems to have stemmed from an OCD attack. My OCD is a focus on my breathing which makes me breathe abnormally which can strain the muscles in these areas but this time was a little different because after it went away, I was stuck with this spasm type pain and it gets pretty severe and thus causes depression, so a vicious cycle. Anyway, I'm going to go to the chiropractor tomorrow because It seems to me that I've had this before and it resolved itself. The chiro thought it might be my gallbladder but it wasn't and now I can't remember how it got better. Darn it anyway! Sorry I'm babbling on. Just hate this. Anyway, sorry I'm not a lot of help here because I don't know a lot about the meds but I've missed you all and wanted to say hi!!
Laney
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 0:02:16
In reply to Just checking in..., posted by Laney on January 8, 2012, at 22:35:55
Laney let me know how it goes as have ocd type anxiety and leads to dysthymia as such horrible back pain. Good to hear from you also. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on January 9, 2012, at 7:06:43
In reply to Just checking in..., posted by Laney on January 8, 2012, at 22:35:55
> So, I went off the Savella (didn't do anything for me) and now I'm just on 10mg. paxil and .5mg clonazepam per day.
So, what's the plan?
Can you describe in better detail what you experience as mental illness? What are the symptoms? How severe are they?
- Scott
Posted by Laney on January 9, 2012, at 11:21:08
In reply to Re: Just checking in... » Laney, posted by SLS on January 9, 2012, at 7:06:43
The back and chest pain is pretty bad right now that it's left me fairly depressed. I guess anyone with a chronic pain situation would probably get that way I suppose. I see my pdoc Friday and will fill him in on what's going on. I see the chiro on Wednesday. I guess my mood is basically somewhat related to my thoughts which are fairly negative a lot of the time lately. I know I'm going to need something to pull me the other direction. Not sure what the pdoc will come up with. I would love to use the Nort but I got too fat too quick on it.
So just negativity right now and want this pain to go away. Everything irritates me to some extent and don't want to be bothered. My husband and my stepson are on my nerves and my pets too.
Can a not good living situation cause enough psychological stress to cause my back and chest to go into a spasm? I'm gonna ask the chiro if stress can do that to someone. I try to relax and breathe deeply, etc. and think good thoughts but the pain is there and pulls me back into negativity and fear probably.
Sorry so long. Thanks for asking and Scott, so happy to hear something's finally working for you. Phillipa, hope your doing ok. I wonder what's worse anxiety or depression? They are both equally as bad in my book.
Laney
Posted by SLS on January 9, 2012, at 11:34:22
In reply to Re: Just checking in..., posted by Laney on January 9, 2012, at 11:21:08
> I wonder what's worse anxiety or depression?
>
> They are both equally as bad in my book.Yes. I agree. Sometimes anxiety is the primary condition that drives a depression. Alternatively, sometimes anxiety is part of the depression. Either way, they feed on each other.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:16:37
In reply to Re: Just checking in..., posted by Laney on January 9, 2012, at 11:21:08
Laney I have excruciating back pain also and have wondered the same. Did the chiropractor help? Phillipa
Posted by Laney on January 11, 2012, at 11:35:33
In reply to Re: Just checking in... » Laney, posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2012, at 18:16:37
So, I'm going to have to get on something else. What should I try next? Abilify, Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq?? Or... should I just go back to Nortriptyline and deal with the weight gain differently? I would love to add the last thing you added to your regimen as I looked it up and I think it could help me although I already have lowish blood pressure.
What are your ideas??
I think my living situation only adds to the depression I'm sure. I would like to talk to you about it but not here and you don't do babblemail right?
Hope everything is still going great in your situation! You so deserve it!!!
Laney
Phillipa,
I missed my chiro appt. I think a lot of mine is psychological stress to be honest. Yesterday I had much improvement!!
What about you trying what Scott just added? It helps with too much adrenaline and anxiety, panic, etc. Just a thought.
Best,
Laney
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2012, at 19:20:35
In reply to Scott, I need to pick your brain...., posted by Laney on January 11, 2012, at 11:35:33
Laney low blood pressure also. Phillipa
Posted by Laney on January 11, 2012, at 21:05:16
In reply to Re: Scott, I need to pick your brain.... » Laney, posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2012, at 19:20:35
But in the amounts used for what Scott is using it for are very small than the amounts used for it's indicated purpose which is for hypertension.
I've been doing some research and it's doesn't sound half bad as something to trial as an add on. I don't think it would lower mine too much as 1 or 2mg. which is what some people have described taking.
Still have the back/chest pain. I think it's pure anxiety/stress. Didn't go to the chiro. Still weighing in on that one. It's probably depression related that turns into anxiety.
Laney
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2012, at 23:36:17
In reply to Re: Scott, I need to pick your brain...., posted by Laney on January 11, 2012, at 21:05:16
Laney could be stress. But I wonder since used for PTSD if it helps anxiety or depression? I do know the 40 something female across street takes it for PTSD nightmares. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on January 12, 2012, at 5:54:02
In reply to Scott, I need to pick your brain...., posted by Laney on January 11, 2012, at 11:35:33
You could try desipramine instead of nortriptyline. It usually doesn't produce weight gain.
- Scott
Posted by Laney on January 12, 2012, at 12:01:58
In reply to Re: Scott, I need to pick your brain.... » Laney, posted by SLS on January 12, 2012, at 5:54:02
I have Scott. It didn't do anything. I tried it twice.
With that said, what else can you think of??
Laney
Thanks Phillipa!
Posted by SLS on January 12, 2012, at 13:59:12
In reply to Re: Scott, I need to pick your brain...., posted by Laney on January 12, 2012, at 12:01:58
> I have Scott. It didn't do anything. I tried it twice.
>
> With that said, what else can you think of??
Is it true that you haven't tried Effexor yet?In what ways are you depressed? Energy? Sadness? Intrusive thoughts? Feelings of guilt? Libido? Anhedonia? Helpless? Hopeless? Ruminations? Self-hatred? Etc.
Is there any anxiety? PTSD? Is there any history of bipolar or schizophrenia in your family?
- Scott
Posted by phidippus on January 15, 2012, at 17:56:12
In reply to Just checking in..., posted by Laney on January 8, 2012, at 22:35:55
Here's a some ERP that worked for me: while focused on your breathing, start breathing in strange and comical ways. See how long you can hold your breath. See how long you can take to breath out. Hold your breath stepping over cracks on the sidewalk. Make this new obsession fun!
Eric
This is the end of the thread.
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